CMS combines deep sectoral knowledge with national reach, advising across the full lifecycle of onshore and offshore wind, solar, hydro, battery, hydrogen and CCUS projects. The team is known for delivering cohesive, cross-practice support on complex energy mandates and has the ability to leverage corporate, finance and projects expertise. Team head Chris McGarvey has a broad practice that involves close connection with sponsors, funders and the public sector, with a notable focus on overseas projects. Jenny Allan and co-head Gordon Hay are chiefly recognised for their expertise in project finance, while co-head Robin Hutchison is experienced in both contentious and non-contentious planning matters. Co-heads Frank Fowlie and Craig Wilson lead on renewables M&A from Aberdeen, and Kirsty Nurse provides crucial project development expertise, particularly in relation to supply agreements and EPC contracts. Laura West, who was promoted to partner in 2024, adds further strength in construction. Laura Sefton also comes recommended.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘There is no doubt we are in safe hands with CMS and the collaboration between their internal teams is refreshing, improving project efficiency and avoiding key person bottlenecks. The ongoing engagement from staff across the firm has easily allowed us to keep up-to-date with key changes which impact the energy sector, whether those changes be related to planning, grid, route to market or finance, CMS cover it all and have experts across the board on hand to help, guide and inform.'
‘CMS is clearly a well resourced market leader in the energy space. The depth of their expertise makes them a one stop shop for renewables. Especially when is comes to navigating complex matters and putting these into real life examples and pragmatic solutions. Individuals of particular note are Kirsty Nurse and Laura Sefton, who have proven themselves indispensable as we navigate new ground as a company. All have been engaging, readily approachable and quick to respond with expert advice on complex topics which is easy to understand and act on.'
'The whole Team were excellent. However I would single out Laura Sefton. Laura led the Team well and was our point of contact. She was always there to help and assist.'
'Chris McGarvey is a brilliant, commercially focused, but technically exceptional energy lawyer. He has become an essential part of our team and I can't rate him highly enough.'
Key clients
- SSE
- NeuConnect
- Storegga – Pale Blue Dot
- Close Leasing Limited
- Constantine Energy Storage LLP
- BP Aberdeen Hydrogen Energy Limited
- Gigabox Developments
- SENS Iqony Solar Energy Solutions (UK) Ltd
- WRIF HOLDCO C 2 Limited
- Triodos Bank UK Limited
- HV Storm Holdings AS
- Flotation Energy Limited
Work highlights
Advising a syndicate of three lenders (Nord LB, NatWest and Siemens Bank) on the provision of £120m debt financing facility to a subsidiary of Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners (UK Grid Services Limited) to fund the development of a portfolio of 5 synchronous condenser plants across the UK.
Advising TotalEnergies on its Culzean Floating Wind Pilot Project. This is a UK-first project to decarbonise offshore oil and gas operations through the provision of renewable electricity from a 3MW floating wind turbine directly connected to the Culzean platform.
Advising the Equitix Kyuden Consortium on its bid to purchase the offshore transmission assets serving the Seagreen 1A Offshore Wind Farm off the Moray Coast, Scotland.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Chris McGarvey
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Kirsty Nurse
Practice head
Gordon Hay; Robin Hutchison; Chris McGarvey; Frank Fowlie
Other key lawyers
Jenny Allan; Kirsty Nurse; Craig Wilson; Laura West; Laura Sefton